Grapes and timing: Slow but solid harvest, say wine growers

QUINCY, Wash. — The 2022 Washington wine grape harvest is just getting underway, but wine growers are optimistic it’s going to be a good year. Vicky Scharlau, executive director of the Washington Winegrowers Association, said Sept. 14 that harvest was just gearing up. “It’s just barely starting in some areas,” she said. “Which is very late. About two weeks later than normal.” Grower Steele Brown’s vineyard is between Vantage and Quincy, Wash. and he’s starting harvest two-two and a half weeks behind 2021, he said. Shane Collins, director of viniculture for Rocky Pond Holdings, said he started harvesting a block near Chelan, Wash. on Sept. 13.